Ruddock Mpanzu in talks over new deal as Hatters’ retained list is imminent

Mike Simmonds

Hatters boss Nathan Jones has revealed talks are in place over a new contract for midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.

The 23-year-old will be a free agent in the summer, but after making 15 appearances for Jones since he became manager, the Town chief is hoping to prolong his stay at Kenilworth Road.

Speaking to the press this afternoon, Jones also confirmed that talks are now at an advanced stage with the rest of the squad over their futures too, as he said: “We’ve made preliminary things with Pelly Ruddock, we’ve had a number of chats this week which once we finalise everyone, we will release that.

“But you’ll see who we want to move forward with, what we want to do and there’ll be a little bit of movement in terms of players and we’ll release that once we’ve spoken to everyone.

“We’ve had conversations and we will give you the full list of who we’re looking to take forward, who we’re looking to renew, who we’re looking to let go, that will be done in the next few days.

“We’re not going to delay on that, we know where we are. They near enough know, so we’re going to do that and then we’ll release it all so that everyone has a fair chance and gets the info as soon as possible.”

Ruddock Mpanzu himself has declared his intentions to remain at the club as when asked about his future last month, the former West Ham man, who has made 65 appearances for Luton, said: “I’d like to stay, Luton’s a great club and moving in the right direction and I wouldn’t mind staying here at all.”